Dimensions of Nursing Practice
Q&A with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A nurse respects a patient’s decision to refuse chemotherapy despite the family’s wishes.
Which ethical principle is the nurse upholding?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Justice
D. Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own
healthcare decisions. The nurse supports this principle by honoring the patient’s choice
even when others disagree. Respecting autonomy is a fundamental aspect of professional
nursing practice and patient-centered care.
2. Which legal term describes a nurse’s failure to provide the standard of care that a
reasonably prudent nurse would provide in a similar situation?
A. Assault
,B. Negligence
C. Battery
D. Defamation
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Negligence is a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent
person would exercise in like circumstances. In nursing, this involves a deviation from the
established standard of care that results in or could result in harm. It is a common basis for
unintentional tort lawsuits in the medical field.
3. A nurse ensures that a patient who is first on the surgery list actually goes first, regardless
of their socioeconomic status. This represents which principle?
A. Fidelity
B. Veracity
C. Justice
D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Justice in nursing involves the fair and equitable distribution of
resources and treatment. By treating patients based on medical priority rather than social
standing, the nurse ensures fairness. This principle requires that all individuals receive
equal consideration for their healthcare needs.
, 4. The nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The
patient asks the nurse if they are going to die. The nurse answers honestly. This is an example
of:
A. Veracity
B. Fidelity
C. Beneficence
D. Nonmaleficence
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Veracity is the principle of truth-telling and transparency in
communication. Nurses have a professional obligation to be honest with patients to build
trust and maintain integrity. Providing accurate information allows patients to participate
fully in their care planning.
5. A nurse is tasked with delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Which
task is appropriate for delegation?
A. Assessing a patient’s post-operative pain
B. Teaching a patient how to use a walker
C. Evaluating the effectiveness of an anti-nausea medication
D. Taking vital signs on a stable patient
Correct Answer: D